Spoleto
an archiepiscopal city of ancient Umbria in the middle of Italy; on a rocky hill, 75 miles N. E. of Rome.
It is commanded by a citadel which dates from the days of the Goths, and has a fine cathedral, built in the time of the Lombard dukes, and containing fine frescoes by Lippo Lippi. The churches of St. Domen Domenico, St. Peter, St.
Gregory, and St. Nicholas present interesting architectural features. Water is brought to the city by a 7th century aqueduct, 270 feet high and 680 long.
The ancient Spoletium had its origin in a Roman colony planted here about 240 B. C.; Hannibal was repulsed in an assault he made on the town (217 в. c.) after the battle of Lake Trasimene.
Under the Lombards it became the capital of an independent duchy, and its dukes ruled over great part of Central Italy. Having been united to Tuscany, it was bequeathed by the Countess Matilda to the Pope (1115). Pop. commune, about 26,000; town, about 10,000.